Here are three key lessons from the first half of Series 4 to fuel your planning for 2026:
- The Power of Specialised Support in Building the Future Workforce
In Episode 1, we heard from Veena Virahsammy on Alternative Education Provision. Veena’s work highlights the critical need to support young people who require specialised environments to thrive.
The Lesson? Success in building a resilient workforce isn’t just about traditional recruitment; it’s about pioneering tailored solutions. Businesses must recognise the value of specialised pathways and actively engage with initiatives that nurture diverse talent to ensure a strong future economy.
- Don’t Let Local Success Limit Global Ambition
Episode 2 welcomed Lis Lewis-Jones, who shared her expertise on Growing Your Business Through International Expansion. Scaling a business beyond borders presents unique challenges, but Lis showed that a strong foundation can be the perfect launching pad.
The takeaway? Thinking globally is essential for growth. Leaders must embrace the operational and cultural shifts required for international trade. This episode provides the practical insight needed to make that ambitious leap from local expert to global competitor.
- Timing and Authenticity are Everything in the Wellness Market
Finally, in Episode 3, Howard sat down with Catherine Hurley Arbibe on Launching a Successful Wellness Brand in Today’s Market. In a crowded consumer landscape, Catherine detailed the importance of market timing, genuine passion, and a distinct brand identity.
Our learning? Whether you are in wellness or another sector, the principles remain: truly understand your market, ensure your offering is authentic and differentiated, and time your launch to meet a defined consumer need.
Inspired? Access Free Business Support Today!
The success stories shared by our guests prove that remarkable business achievements start right here in Oxfordshire.
If these episodes have sparked a new business idea, motivated you to pivot, or inspired you to seek growth opportunities, you don’t have to navigate that journey alone. We want to ensure that every OxTalks listener can turn inspiration into action.
We are proud to direct all local entrepreneurs and business leaders to the Enterprise Oxfordshire Business Support Tool. This resource offers free, impartial, and local support to help you strategise, find resources, and take the next step towards your business goals in 2026.
Complete the Business Support Tool
Catch Up on Four Series of Oxfordshire Excellence
While we prepare for the launch of Series 4, Part 2, at the start of next year, there is plenty of listening available to keep you inspired!
In addition to the current three episodes of Series 4, we have three previous series full of insightful conversations with inspirational leaders from every area of business:
- Human Resources & Talent
- Management
- Launching a New Business Idea
- Pivoting Your Business Offering
- Embracing New Technology
- Health and wellbeing
- Following Pioneering Science
- And much more!
View all OxTalks series and episodes
Tune in, get inspired, and get ready for the return of new episodes!
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Standout programmes return for second phase, with West Oxfordshire and Cherwell-based businesses and entrepreneurs ready to take advantage
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